About Kent

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Meet Kent

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For Kent, farming and agriculture aren’t just hobbies, they’re at the core of who he is. Kent is a long-time farmer – even taking a once-abandoned farm back into production with his wife Shirley. Prior to taking office, he raised cattle, goats, and sheep on their 380-acre farm near Fairview in Monongalia County, West Virginia.

Kent’s life has always been about service above self. Kent served as a United States Marine for over 20 years, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1996. As a Marine, Kent received numerous decorations including the Legion of Merit, Combat Action Ribbon, and eight other personal decorations.

After retiring from service and bringing his farm into full production, Kent sought other ways to serve and was elected a West Virginia State Senator from the secondSenate district. As senator, Kent quickly gained a reputation as a strong advocate for a business-friendly environment to foster economic growth in the Mountain State.

As Agriculture Commissioner, Kent has been able to combine his passion for cultivating West Virginia soil with his passion for serving the great citizens of West Virginia. Since becoming commissioner, Kent has successfully fought to limit regulations on small farming businesses, inspire innovative approaches to bringing West Virginia products to market in West Virginia and across the United States, and expand opportunities for agritourism within the Mountain State. Kent also shares his passion for farming with the next generation of West Virginia's farmers through active involvement in Future Farmers of America (FFA), and 4-H all across West Virginia.

Kent received his bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management at the University of Missouri and a master’s degree in Business Management from Central Michigan University. He continued his education by attending seminars and conferences covering issues pertinent to the Division of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Protection in order to better serve the State of West Virginia. Kent has also served as a member of the Monongalia County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and as a member of the Monongalia County Livestock Association.

Kent and his wife Shirley live on their farm in western Monongalia County. They have three sons and six grandchildren.

Peter Hunton

Jonathan Williams

Better Planning

Kent Leonhardt uses his military training to better plan agricultural distribution and availability to ensure that citizens have access to a safe food supply.

Helping Veterans

Kent Leonhardt understands the difficulty our veterans face when they transition out of the military. He has expanded the Homegrown by Heroes program to get more of our veterans established in agriculture.

Greater Access

West Virginia’s rural population has limited access to fresh foods. Kent Leonhardt has ensured these food deserts has nutritional food by linking locally grown produce through farm stands and markets to citizens.

Agricultural Outreach

Kent Leonhardt supports initiatives that teach consumers about where food comes from and champions programs that allow non-farmers to develop a stronger connection to West Virginia’s farms.

Innovative Approach

Kent Leonhardt has encouraged expanding agriculture in urban areas. He has also helped promote and grow our specialty food businesses to better enable West Virginia products to be sold within and outside of West Virginia.

Expand Opportunities for Agritourism.

Kent Leonhardt supports efforts to grow the Tourism industry within West Virginia by expanding the opportunities for Agritourism. Agritourism is currently one of the fastest growing sources of farm revenue in the United States.

Overreach of Government Regulation

Kent Leonhardt believes the job of our government is to work to encourage a free market that will create growth of all businesses, rather than cavalierly eliminating jobs and destroying local economies with lawsuits and burdensome regulations.

Young people are the future of agriculture in West Virginia

Kent Leonhardt supports agricultural education in every way possible. He is an advocate for FFA, the Beginner Farmer Program, and 4-H all across West Virginia. These programs not only prepare West Virginia’s young people for successful careers in agriculture, but they teach students leadership skills that will benefit them in all facets of life, no matter what careers they choose.

About Kent

With his years of education and experience, find out why Kent Leonhardt is the best candidate for West Virginia.